Students go head-to-head with sporting legends at Goals

De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU)’s unique partnership with a local charity has seen De Montfort University (DMU) students going head-to-head with some of Leicester’s sporting legends.

England’s Rugby World Cup-winning captain and former Leicester Tigers lock Martin Johnson played alongside Leicester City legends Muzzy Izzet and Steve Walsh in a Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) select XI against players from by Men’s and Women’s Football at the annual Goals charity football tournament organised by the student clubs.

The opening fixture, which also featured local musician Jersey Budd and boxer Rendell Monroe, was followed by a 5-a-side tournament in which 42 student teams entered, with entry fees going direct to the charity.

Steve Humphries, Chair of JHMT said: “On behalf of everyone at JHMT, a huge thank you to all the DMU students who once again prove to be ‘great sports’ at this year’s annual Goals tournament.

“We are delighted the event was so well-attended by members and friends involved with the men’s and women’s football clubs.

“Once again, I would like to congratulate the clubs for organising the event and in particular Chair Elliott Watts who helped make the event possible.”

The JHMT charity was set up in 2012 after Steve’s son Joe tragically died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) whilst out running with a friend.

The charity aims to break the silence of SADS and create a new generation of young life savers plus inspire young people.

Men’s Football Chair Elliott Watts said: “We’re delighted to play our part as we continue to support JHMT’s vital community work to tackle SADS and raise the awareness of undiagnosed heart conditions which can affect healthy young people aged 12-35.”

In addition to the tournament, students were encouraged to make donations to the charity to support its work and also to take part in a raffle.

President of DSU Dan Winney was also part of the select XI that went up against the all-stars team.

Steve continued: “The relationship between JHMT and DSU continues to go from strength to strength as the vital work goes on to create a heart safe community across the University campus.

“As shown by the strength and depth of this year’s JHMT team, it demonstrates how important the DSU efforts are so well appreciated and important in the Trust’s ongoing fight to reduce the incidence of young people, 12-35 years old from undiagnosed heart conditions.”

At last week’s Grand Opening of #YourNewDSU, President of DSU Dan Winney explained that DSU’s partnership with JHMT means a brand new defibrillator will be fitted to the outside of the Campus Centre, available to both students and staff plus, for the first time on the DMU campus, members of the public as well.

Some of the stars of Goals, including Steve Humphries and Men's Football Chair Elliott Watts (both centre of back row).